Walk 3653 - printer friendly version

St. Abb's Head from St. Abbs Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.2 miles / 6.8 km

Ascent - 500 feet / 152 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference NT913674
Lat 55.8996400 + Long -2.1407048
Postcode TD14 5QF (approx. location only)

This coastal walk in the Scottish Borders starts from St. Abbs and follows the coastal footpath along a rugged coast to Kirk Hill passing the strategically placed lighthouse. The view west to the Firth of Forth is superb as is the retrospective view to St. Abbs and Eyemouth. The route continues around St. Abb's Head before turning inland to pass Mire Loch to follow quiet lanes back to the start. In season the St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve is home to many birds.

The start is the St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve pay and display car park which is located on the left as you approach St. Abbs on the B6438 (grid ref. NT913674). After parking exit the car park at the rear and turn left along the B6438 into St. Abbs. After 300 metres turn left on the signed path to St. Abb's Head. The path soon reached the coast and follows the cliff tops north along the rocky coast to reach Kirk Hill. Bear right following the Lighthouse Loop with purple arrows to reach the lighthouse and a topograph shortly after.

Turn left along the road and follow it downhill into a valley. Turn left onto the signed path "Mire Loop" which is waymarked with yellow arrows. Continue alongside the loch on your left to reach a stony track. Turn right and follow the track to a road (grid ref. NT912684). Continue straight ahead when you reach a road and continue back to the car park. After completing the walk follow the B6284 down into the fishing village of St. Abbs with its small harbour, which is worth exploring at leisure.

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